Is Southern Africa gay friendly?

To generalise grossly, Africa is messed up. Historically, the place has been over-run by so many of everyone else that identity is a luxury. You get native French and Portuguese speakers on this continent - people that have never set foot in Paris or Lisbon.

So when 'independence' from the evil overlords was all the rage in the swinging 60's, Africa was plunged into an era of trendy dictatorships (South Africa was no exception). While the Europeans swanned around in their African gold and diamonds, the continent began a journey of decay. Largely forgotten by everyone except the Chinese and Russians, the style of leadership was more red left than blue right. As a result, totalitarian practice such as the sweeping banning of homosexuality, gambling, miniskirts and so on were commonplace. You had to call everyone comrade and brother (in the literal sense) to fit it. Dark glasses with thick black plastic dictator style frames and cream safari suits ruled.

Then democracy becomes the buzz word and corrupt oppressive regimes are overthrown (South Africa was no exception) and replaced by more 'touchy feeley', people centric, all embracing and less corrupt (in the name of transparency) governments. Much of this coincided with the opening up of South Africa as a regional and global trade partner, the fall of the Russian Empire and the sneaky embracing all things capitalist by the Chinese. A rash of voting and people power brought new rules and ideals to an area traditionally devoid of liberal thinking.

The end result? Africa still has many hang ups with many things - homosexuality is one of them - and we are trying our hardest to shake off the past and embrace the future. South Africa has one of the most 'water-tight' democracies in the world - having been modeled on the positives of everywhere else.

But people in countries everywhere have hang-ups over homosexuality, you just need to know where it's technically illegal and where it's 'embraced' or 'allowed'.

South Africa is on the track to legal recognition of same-sex partnerships thanks to the constitutional court. The larger cities are more openly accepting and some of the smaller rural communities are surprisingly accepting (come on, what else is there to do in the middle of nowhere?). However, remember that South Africans are religious, and somewhat conservative. We also have a large Muslim population and we all know how sensitive their ideals can be at times.

Homosexuality is illegal just about everywhere else in Southern Africa although as in any country where things are deemed illegal, you will find pockets of resistance or tolerance. Just don't expect much leniency or sympathy from the legal system. This means that gay bars, restaurants, saunas, shops and sex shops will be all but non-existent but if two 'friends' want to share a tent in a luxury lodge, so be it. Seekers Travel in South Africa are gay friendly (see article)and will be a good start with solid advice on your trip across the continent.